I've not been on the Particular cruise you mention, but have been to all three places, first on a Perillo tour, then on a Carnival Med cruise.
A couple of thoughts: we were warned (strongly) to be "very careful" in Naples due to pickpocketing and other types of petty crime. Not much to really see in Naples, anyway, basically an ugly city with many downtown buildings representative of Mussolini's taste in architecture. Better to avoid the city altogether and do a tour of Pompeii, which is excellent.
In any place you choose to do a tour, try to hook up with a company that can get you expedited entrance into the venue. There was a line perhaps 2-3 blocks long to get into the Vatican that we completely bypassed with Perillo. Another key factor is getting someone who speaks English well, and is a knowledgeable guide to the venue.
Both Rome and Florence have MUCH more to do than can be done on a one day tour. So do your research and pick your advantage plays ; )
In Florence, the statue of David in the Academia gallery is an unbelievable sight, as is the hallway leading up to it. The hallway is lined with 'unfinished' statues by Michelangelo, where the figures seem to be emerging on their own out of the blocks of marble. The Duomo and the baptistry across from it are breathtaking. The Uffizi gallery contains a large number of fabulous masterpieces. The Ponte Vecchio is lined end to end with jewelry shops, specializing in gold. (significant other alert!)
Rome also has a number of must-sees, but again, you can't see them all. The Vatican is a must, as is St. Peter's. The scale of the latter is awesome: there are markings on the floor that tell you where various churches would fit within its walls. BUT, if you don't have a very knowledgeable guide, you won't know what you're looking at.
The typical ship excursion will buzz you around the outside of many things and rush you through a few highlights. But I think specific tours will be much more satisfying.
Enjoy: this should be the trip of a lifetime!
From: Bob Dancer <bobdancervp@hotmail.com>
To: "vpfree@yahoogroups.com" <vpfree@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2014 7:50 AM
Subject: [vpFREE] xvp: NCL Epic from Barcelona June 15
A couple of thoughts: we were warned (strongly) to be "very careful" in Naples due to pickpocketing and other types of petty crime. Not much to really see in Naples, anyway, basically an ugly city with many downtown buildings representative of Mussolini's taste in architecture. Better to avoid the city altogether and do a tour of Pompeii, which is excellent.
In any place you choose to do a tour, try to hook up with a company that can get you expedited entrance into the venue. There was a line perhaps 2-3 blocks long to get into the Vatican that we completely bypassed with Perillo. Another key factor is getting someone who speaks English well, and is a knowledgeable guide to the venue.
Both Rome and Florence have MUCH more to do than can be done on a one day tour. So do your research and pick your advantage plays ; )
In Florence, the statue of David in the Academia gallery is an unbelievable sight, as is the hallway leading up to it. The hallway is lined with 'unfinished' statues by Michelangelo, where the figures seem to be emerging on their own out of the blocks of marble. The Duomo and the baptistry across from it are breathtaking. The Uffizi gallery contains a large number of fabulous masterpieces. The Ponte Vecchio is lined end to end with jewelry shops, specializing in gold. (significant other alert!)
Rome also has a number of must-sees, but again, you can't see them all. The Vatican is a must, as is St. Peter's. The scale of the latter is awesome: there are markings on the floor that tell you where various churches would fit within its walls. BUT, if you don't have a very knowledgeable guide, you won't know what you're looking at.
The typical ship excursion will buzz you around the outside of many things and rush you through a few highlights. But I think specific tours will be much more satisfying.
Enjoy: this should be the trip of a lifetime!
Certainly the game is rigged. Don't let that stop you; if you don't bet, you can't win. -Lazarus Long
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is. -Yogi Berra
There is no such thing as luck. There is only adequate or inadequate preparation to cope with a statistical universe. -Robert Heinlein
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is. -Yogi Berra
There is no such thing as luck. There is only adequate or inadequate preparation to cope with a statistical universe. -Robert Heinlein
From: Bob Dancer <bobdancervp@hotmail.com>
To: "vpfree@yahoogroups.com" <vpfree@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2014 7:50 AM
Subject: [vpFREE] xvp: NCL Epic from Barcelona June 15
Bonnie and I will be on the NCL Epic beginning June 15.
1. I am strongly considering hiring a car service for 6-8 people to transport us around Naples, Rome, and Florence. This is MUCH more flexible and cheaper than hiring excursions off the ship. Has anyone tried this, and if so, were you satisfied?
2. Anybody here going to be on the same ship at the same time? If so, are you interested in "car pooling?"
Bob
1. I am strongly considering hiring a car service for 6-8 people to transport us around Naples, Rome, and Florence. This is MUCH more flexible and cheaper than hiring excursions off the ship. Has anyone tried this, and if so, were you satisfied?
2. Anybody here going to be on the same ship at the same time? If so, are you interested in "car pooling?"
Bob
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